The Latest Breaking News from Texas Observer

In Tarrant County, a Grassroots Coalition Pushes Back on Christian Nationalists

The recent redistricting of the county commissioners court has galvanized progressive organizers heading into 2026.

Texas Observer · Nov 25, 2025

Pam Perillo’s Sisterhood of the Condemned

She's a death row survivor, but she doesn't think she's really any different from her friends who are still set to die.

Texas Observer · Nov 24, 2025

Dammed if You Do: East Texas Locals Fight to Stop an Unnecessary Reservoir

In Van Zandt County, a fight over water rights, government transparency, and land ownership came to a head with a proposed dam project.

Texas Observer · Nov 20, 2025

Prosecutors Drop Only Criminal Cases from Hays County Airbnb Raid

Pending drug charges have been abandoned from the multi-agency April operation that supposedly targeted Tren de Aragua and led to multiple deportations.

Texas Observer · Nov 13, 2025

Texas’ Top Voucher Vendor Taps Abbott Allies in Contract Bid, Program Rollout

The New York firm Odyssey is now running the state’s lucrative voucher scheme with a little help from the governor’s friends.

Texas Observer · Nov 13, 2025

Pro-Life, Anti-Death Penalty

Nan Tolson is the face of the conservative movement against capital punishment in Texas.

Texas Observer · Nov 12, 2025

Crypto’s Cryptic Texas Takeover

State regulators don't want you to know about the 60-plus Bitcoin mines guzzling public water and electricity—even though consumers are already paying the price.

Texas Observer · Nov 10, 2025

Jane Goodall, the Natural World, and Why I Track Skunks

Whenever I see one, I think: fashion show. Something from Chanel. A bit of art deco. That black and white aesthetic.

Texas Observer · Nov 7, 2025

Houston’s Top Magnet High Schools Could Become Private Partnership Charter Schools, Raising Equity Concerns

Texas' largest school district may even convert its renowned performing arts institution under a program that benefitted the state-appointed superintendent in his previous career.

Texas Observer · Nov 6, 2025

My University Just Taught Extremists How to Eliminate Academic Programs They Don’t Like

Texas Christian University handed its power to the people working hardest to dismantle learning itself.

Texas Observer · Nov 5, 2025